VIII. Administrative Leave (Employees Only)

TCC recognizes some parties may desire resolution of their matter through an Alternative Resolution Process, instead of through the Formal Grievance Process. Accordingly, parties can mutually agree to resolve a complaint through an Alternative Resolution process, instead of undergoing the Formal Grievance Process.

The decision to initiate an Alternative Resolution process must be consented to in writing by both parties. The Alternative Resolution process can be terminated at any time by either party, and a Formal Grievance Process initiated instead.

Alternative Resolution is not available for employee Respondents. Any allegation of sexual harassment against an employee must proceed under the Formal Grievance Process.

In the Alternative Resolution Process, a Resolution Facilitator oversees the process. This Resolution Facilitator does not serve in the role of fact finder but rather helps the parties identify potential resolution(s) to the complaint.  If the parties agree to an Alternative Resolution, the Resolution Facilitator will normally request the Complainant to submit a written statement describing the circumstances and the requested Alternative Resolution within five (5) business days of the decision to proceed with Alternative Resolution. The Resolution Facilitator may share the Complainant’s statement with the Respondent, who will then have five (5) business days to submit a written response to the Resolution Facilitator. The Resolution Facilitator may share the Respondent’s submission with the Complainant.

If the parties can agree on a resolution, such resolution will be documented by the Resolution Facilitator with signatures by both parties accepting the terms of the Alternative Resolution.

If the parties are unable to reach an agreed-upon resolution through the Alternative Resolution Process, the Resolution Facilitator will refer the matter back to the TCC Title IX Administrator, who will then proceed with the Formal Resolution Process as described in this Policy.

The TCC Title IX Administrator will maintain records of all reports and conduct referred for Alternative Resolution. Alternative Resolution will typically be completed within thirty (30) business days of the initial report. In circumstances when it is not possible to complete the process in this time frame, both parties will be notified in writing regarding the delay and the anticipated time frame for completion.